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Q. When's a good time for A Gift of Poetry?
Q. Do you have a money back guarantee?
Q. What if I don't like the first draft?
Q. How do I pay you? What are the payment terms?
Q. What do your clients think about you?
Q. Will I get value for money?
Q. Why offer a prepayment discount?
Q. Do you have any other special offers?
Q. Will you treat me like a number?
Q. Will you meet my time frames?
Q. What does the process involve?
Q. How long will my poem take?
Q. Why do you have a quick decision bonus?
Q: How much will my poem cost?
Q: What benefits are included in each package?
Q: How much detail do you require?
Q. How can I trust you? Is this a scam?
Q: Will my request be published on this site?
Q. When's a good time for A Gift of Poetry? A Gift of Poetry is suitable for every occasion and circumstance. You will find it an excellent way of saying "I love you" or "thank you" but you can also use your gift to send much more serious and heartfelt messages, of which there are many examples on the site. BACK TO TOP OF PAGE or BEGIN ORDER
Q. Do you have a money back guarantee?
Yes, I guarantee complete satisfaction (or you get your money back). This is a creative process and artistically, what pleases one person may not please the other. However, I do get it "right" 19 out of 20 times (so on average, I return the client's deposit on every 20th poem).
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Q. What if I don't like the first draft? Then I will rewrite your poem until you are happy with the outcome. It normally takes two to three drafts to get a poem exactly right and this is a collaborative process. For the record, my personal best (or worst) is nine drafts (but we got there in the end). BACK TO TOP OF PAGE or BEGIN ORDER Q. How long will my poem be? It depends on how much there is to say. I do not charge by the length and some of my poems can run to 30 verses (although I feel that these can be a little long). As an average expect somewhere between 15 and 20 verses, but it does depend on the subject matter. BACK TO TOP OF PAGE or BEGIN ORDER Q. How do I pay you? What are the payment terms? Can I pay over the phone? There are payment options on site operated by highly respected third parties (WorldPay and PayPal). I ask for a deposit up front and only ask for the balance when you are happy with your final draft. If you don't like using credit cards online then you can also phone in or fax the details. I will call you back in person. Phone: USA + CANADA TOLL FREE 1-800-307-4174 or 514-409-2751 Fax: USA + CANADA TOLL FREE 1-800-307-4751 or 514-409-2752 (Please note the 1-800 numbers cannot be accessed from outside the US and Canada) Phone: UK 01206 385397 You can also pay by check or money order but that does slow down the process somewhat. I'm sorry, but I do have to insist on the deposit "up front" as this is my only method of sorting the "wheat" from the "chaff". BACK TO TOP OF PAGE or BEGIN ORDER
Q. What do your clients think about you? Generally they are very pleased with my work. I currently achieve a 95% satisfaction rating. I operate a money back guarantee system so I do actually refund the deposit for about 1 in 20 - but as the saying goes: You can't please all of the people all of the time. It is also a no quibble guarantee - if people are not happy then they get their deposit back (and I resolve to try harder next time). BACK TO TOP OF PAGE or BEGIN ORDER
Q. How do I know that you will deliver what you promise? Will I get value for money? My track record speaks for itself and the many, many customer testimonials are my testament. I have been offering this service since 1998, which in Internet terms is a lifetime. Complaints are rare and those received are dealt with in a professional and adult manner. BACK TO TOP OF PAGE or BEGIN ORDER Q. Why offer a prepayment discount? 14 - 20% does seem high I know. But I think I've done my sums correctly. The credit card companies hit me twice for the two transactions (deposit and balance), the administration costs are certainly cheaper and my overdraft charges are reduced. I also offer a no quibble money back guarantee. BACK TO TOP OF PAGE or BEGIN ORDER
Q. I'm getting married. Do you have any special offers?
Yes, I offer a "Wedding Day Special", three poems for the price of two. Actually, you don't need to be getting married to take advantage of this offer, but it is particularly suited for wedding days as there is so much to say (to your partner, your parents, your guests etc.). Can be used for invitations, vows, speeches, toasts, as a thank you to parents, a gift for your partner etc. Great value, you save over $78.50 off the normal prices:
Just mention "Wedding Day Special" on the first request. BACK TO TOP OF PAGE or BEGIN ORDER
Q. Why should I go with you?
I am pleased to report that this is one of the most popular poetry sites in the world and the only place where you will get an original, handwritten "Jesson" poem. I write every poem from scratch and although on the cheaper packages I may borrow a verse or two, every poem is unique. Guaranteed. BACK TO TOP OF PAGE or BEGIN ORDER
Q. You must get a lot of requests, how do I know that you won't treat me like a number? I manage my workload so that I can give you and your poem the attention that you deserve. I think of every one of my poems as "special" so I treat them (and you) as such. I have also recently "retired" from the rat race to concentrate full time on my writing and Internet Marketing career. Believe me, you have my (and my bank manager's) undivided attention :) (PS. Help ! :) BACK TO TOP OF PAGE or BEGIN ORDER
Q. How do I know you can you deliver to meet my time frames? I work within strictly promised timelines. It is part of my promise. If you have a tighter deadline than advertised then I will pull out the stops for you. BACK TO TOP OF PAGE or BEGIN ORDER Q. How long will my poem take? It depends on the package that you choose, you could have your first draft within 48 hours from now. Even with the Economy Package you will receive your first draft within 7 days. Physical delivery normally takes about four to seven days once the drafting process is complete. We now ship direct from the USA and use the US Postal Service with full tracking. We also ship direct from the UK, the cost of which is included in the price. BACK TO TOP OF PAGE or BEGIN ORDER Q. What does the process involve? It is easy to order your poem. Please follow this link here. BACK TO TOP OF PAGE or BEGIN ORDER
Q: How much will my poem cost?
What benefits are included in each package? Full pricing and package details are here BACK TO TOP OF PAGE or BEGIN ORDER Q: How much detail do you require?
The more information given - the more personal the poem !
If
you get stuck on a question then please ignore it, but
please try to give as much information,
history and background as you can.
Thanks. The POEM REQUEST FORM is
here, these are the questions that you will be asked: Who
are you ? Who
do you want the poem written for ? Why
do you want the poem written ? What
are the key messages you would like the poem to send ? Do
you have any funny, sad, happy, embarrassing or otherwise memorable moments that
you would like to share ? Do
you have any other comments or thoughts ? What
style of poem would you prefer ? (Happy, sad, romantic etc.)
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Q. How can I trust you?
Is this a scam? As I've said, this is one of the top 60,000 web-sites in the
world. You can trust me. This is not a scam. I make a
modest living from writing poetry for people such as yourself. My phone number and address details
are clearly displayed on the site. Payment is made via trusted third parties so
you will always have the right of refusing payment or claiming a refund. I have
a long standing verified
PayPal
account, my book is sold on
Amazon.com and I have many, many satisfied
customers. I don't generally post their contact details on the site (unless
they ask me to), but I'm happy to provide
referees if asked.
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OF PAGE or
BEGIN ORDER Q: If I request a poem, will my request and the poem be published on this site? Only
on your say so. I have written many poems that are never published. If you do
not give permission then the poem will not be published. Guaranteed.
BACK TO TOP
OF PAGE or
BEGIN ORDER Why did you start to write poems? I guess it started at school really, you know - please write a poem for homework, that sort of stuff. Well, I found writing poetry relatively "easy" and the results were reasonably encouraging. So I did what every self respecting teenager would do - nothing. I basically didn't write another line for about twenty years. I then went on a Leadership course and we were encouraged to get in touch with "ourselves". As a result, one of the things I did was write a couple of poems, I showed them to a couple of friends and family and they foolishly encouraged me to continue writing. That was ten years ago and what you see on this site is a result of an initial challenge (by Humphrey Armstrong, the course leader) and the subsequent encouragement from friends and family. (I have often wondered what could be achieved in this world if we all challenged and encouraged more often, especially our children). In 1998 I hooked up to the Internet and purchased a book "How to build your web-site in 24 hours". Four months (!) later, I had my first web-site up and running and waited for the mass of visitors to come and view my work. Of course, nothing happened and the counter increased every time I visited, but not much more. It was then I struck on the idea of writing poems for charity, because I had already started writing poems for friends and family's weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. I approached a couple of "Free Sites" to feature my site and was literally flooded with requests. So much so, we formed a loose group (Poets For People) of like minded poets who gave their time for charity. We did this for a couple of years but became increasingly frustrated with people who would request the poem, receive the poem and then we would hear nothing back whatsoever, not so much as a thank you. This became soul destroying after a while so I decided to "commercialize" the site and charge people up front (I then donate a percentage of the proceeds to various charities around the world). This has worked really well and the popularity of the site is outstanding. A Gift Of Poetry is now attracting over 10000 visitors per day and is growing every month ! What is your background? Pretty normal stuff really. Born in 1958 in Northampton, England. Born in a council house (government owned) but Mum and Dad bought their first house in 1960 (Mum still lives there today). Great parents, two great older brothers, strong family environment. Went to Raeburn Road Primary (Tin Tack, so called because it was made of tin and tacks), Parklands Primary, Cherry Orchard High School and Northampton Grammar School. Went off the rails a lot as a teenager and Dad died when I was only 15. A very painful experience but one that has bound the remaining family tightly together, even though we live so very far apart. (I emigrated from England to Australia in 1991, after marrying an Australian girl in 1985). I now share my time between the UK and Australia and intend to spend more time in Africa and the States. Left school three weeks early (at 16) and started work the following Monday for Gelders Spetra, a European transport company. Stayed in transport and logistics for best part of 30 years and that paid the bills (most of the time). Resigned from the "rat race" in December 2002 to concentrate on poetry (and other interesting projects). What are your general thoughts on your poetry? My poetry will never be critically acclaimed - I know and accept that. However, a lot of people seem to like my style and I see it as "everyman" poetry. I genuinely do try and write "from the heart" and know that when I pull a tear or an "ah-ha" then I have done OK. I also like to feel that maybe some of my poetry can help people and for example, that is one of the reasons I have Footprints as a featured poem on the site, as it may help someone realize the aftermath created by taking their own life. What is your favorite subject and why do you write poems like you do? A very good question and very hard to answer. I have not read a lot of other poets work, so I can safely say that I have not copied anyone's particular style. I will literally write a poem about anything, The Worm Ode is good proof of that statement ! I won't write a poem if it doesn't have anything to say, I must think of a dozen poems a week that I could write but discard the idea because they would have no real meaning or message. Poetry has a lot to do with emotion so I like a subject where that emotion is evident or easily aroused. For example, I wrote A Harbour View after being in Australia for a couple of years after realizing that most Australians generally take for granted their wonderful country. If you are interested, there are more of my thoughts on my writing here. There are even more here. Best Movies? For the record, this is the start of the list of my top 20 movies (not in order of preference, too hard to sort) : One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (Jack Nicholson) It's A Wonderful Life (1943) Shawshank Redemption (Morgan Freeman) 28 Days (Sandra Bullock) Something About Mary (Cameron Diaz) Bicentennial Man (Robin Williams) I.T. (Steven Spielberg) The Sound of Music (Julie Andrews) Life As A House (Kevin Kline) Cool Hand Luke (Paul Newman) The Great Escape (Steve McQueen) Blazing Saddles (Mel Brooks) Train-spotting Blow (Johnny Depp) Sea Biscuit (Jeff Bridges) Love Actually (Hugh Grant) The Talented Mr. Ripley
Favourite Singers Harry Chapin Jim Croce Tracy Chapman
Favourite Band Queen
Favourite Songs/Music/Hymns Four Two Dollar Bills (Leslie Wright/Allen Jesson) Story Of A Life (Harry Chapin) Piano Man (Billy Joel) Mandolin Wind (Rod Stewart) Time In A Bottle (Jim Croce) Sweet Painted Lady (Elton John) Serenade for Strings in E Minor, Opus 20 (second movement) (Sir Edward Elgar) Jerusalem (Hymn) and many, many more.....
Mentors Harry Chapin Billy Connolly Goethe
Where do you live? East Mersea, Essex, England and Stanwell Park, New South Wales, Australia.
How old are you? Fifty and Fabulous
Best books? Fiction: Papillon by Henri Charriere. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Early stuff by Wilbur Smith. Recent "faction": Michael Moore (Dude, where's my country?) and John Simpson (The Wars Against Saddam)
Like to eat? Would like to be vegetarian but can't resist a barbeque.
Like to drink? Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coonawarra, South Australia.
Three wisest words? Everything in moderation.
Favorite pastimes? Writing. This website. Family stuff. Having a beer with good friends.
Most important things in life? Knowing what is important in life.
Bad Habits? Too many ! Too frequent smoker, weekend drinker, loved a bet. 2008 update. Ran in the London Marathon in April 2007. Pleased to report that I gave up smoking (for good) in September 2005 and I now don't drink alcohol for around 4 months of the year. Certainly off it for most of the six months leading up to the marathon (yes in 2009, I'm running again).
Good Habits? Not doing the bad habits too often !
Proud Of? My children.
Not So Proud Of? My stomach.
Too few to mention (sorry Frank)
Worst Day? When Dad died (he was 46)
Best Days? When my children were born. Second wedding day.
Marital Status? Divorced with four children. Remarried.
Why Divorce?
Why Remarry?
Favorite poems?
See them all
Best TV Show? The Simpsons
Reading at the moment? Footprints :)
Q. What do you look like?
If you have any other questions not answered here, please send an e-mail here. Thank you. Also, if you've got this far and have decided not to proceed with your order - I would value your reasons as to why you didn't go ahead. Again, please send me an e-mail here. Thank you. Allen
Allen Jesson, A Gift of Poetry, "Freshfields", East Mersea, Nr. Colchester, Essex CO5 8TA England Telephone: ++44 1206 385397 USA + CANADA TOLL FREE 1-800-307-4174 or 514-409-2751 BACK TO TOP OF PAGE or BEGIN ORDER
Less Than Frequently Asked Questions A tremendous amount of hard work and determination. In truth, there are a lot of good and great poets out there but sadly, poetry is rarely commercially valued. It takes more than just words to get recognized. In my case, it was just effort. Lots of it. There was also a degree of stubbornness involved, especially when my friends and family told me it couldn't be done. I used that pessimism as the "wind in my sails". There were also some key moments when I thought it was all too hard and I was about to give up. It was then that someone came along and said the right thing and that got me going again. There are one or three people who I owe particular thanks to and they know who they are. Never underestimate the power of commitment too, it seems at times I have had some "unseen" helping hands. 2.
What made you take the decision of setting up a Website and selling It never started out as a master plan or anything. I'd written my first poem back after a 20 year break (called What If?). That received sufficient encouragement for me to write another and then another and so on. By 1998 I had enough for a "collection" and I wanted some way to get them out there. I also recognized that I needed to update my skills with regard to the Internet. I put those two goals together to create my first web-site (which later morphed into A Gift of Poetry).
I've got too much to say. So have others. Everyone has their own unique story. This is a great way to tell it (and create a very memorable keepsake).
Yes, there's an order
form on the site. The customer can give as much or as little detail as they
want to. Once they have placed their deposit I will have the first draft to
them within 2-7 days, depending on the package that they've chosen. 5. You write each poem from scratch. Why not just write a couple of poems and sell them to whoever likes them? I could do and there are plenty of sites out there that do that. However, I think one of the main attractions of what I do is that every poem is UNIQUE. One of a kind. The only one in the world. I think the true appeal is that every person is also UNIQUE, one of a kind, the only one in the world. So, to put people into a "template" is never going to deliver that uniqueness. 6. How much time does it take to write one complete poem? A hard question to answer as I don't charge by the length. I guess on average there's at least 4 hours of creative time invested into each poem, in many cases more.
Best part is every moment. Not having to commute, doing something you love. Being creative. To be honest I now "work" 7 days a week (most weeks) but it does not feel like work. I have made "my vacation my vocation" (Oscar I think). The worst part is definitely dealing with people you find to be unscrupulous. In this sort of business there is a degree of trust necessary from both sides. I've found that in some people this is not deserved (i.e. they take my words and "run", never to answer another e-mail, very sad). Still, it's their conscience and they have to live with it.
I do find that I procrastinate tremendously when I know I have to sit down and write. I will find an excuse to do anything else. However, once I'm in the chair then I'm not normally too bad. If I struggle for any reason a brisk walk normally removes the cobwebs. I feel very lucky to be "prolific" because I know a lot struggle with the "block". No, generally I keep the copyright but I have written for specific purposes such as gifts. We normally do a deal on the fee or I can be paid in product, I'm pretty flexible
At school I found it remarkably easy. I was always quite creative growing up but I think most kids are. As you know, no one can make a living out of poetry :o) so I went off and found a career in logistics. As a consequence I didn't write again for 20 years. At a management course we were encouraged to get in touch with our artistic side. That inspired "What If?" a few months later, the rest followed.
In the early days, all you needed to do was pledge some money to charity and I would write for you. Sadly, too many people didn't follow through with their pledges so I decided to commercialize and donate some of the money myself.
I think a lot of poetry goes over most peoples' heads. I know my stuff will never be critically acclaimed (not while I'm living anyway :o) but I think "every man, woman and child" can understand what I'm trying to say. I also know that I'm being a little glib when I say everybody but I do intend to record much of my work, so that those people with reading or viewing difficulties can at least listen in. 13. If asked to choose between a million bucks and never writing poems again or continuing like you are, which would you pick? Why? To be honest, I've already made that choice. When I told my wife I wanted to become a full time poet she gave me a choice. Stay in a job I hated (but keep the million and the family together) or go and become a poet. I gave her "everything" and chose the "road less traveled". As a father, it was literally heartbreaking to leave my children and the lack of money has led to further tough decisions. However, given the same choices tomorrow I would make the same one again. However, I do not plan to be a "poor poet" forever, as I intend to make a lot of money (so I can give 90% away to help those less fortunate get on their feet). Strange I know. But true.
14. Do you have any advice for writers who may be thinking of pursuing 15. Any final thoughts on poetry? Yes, it is very powerful. Poetry has a unique way of reaching people. A poem, especially A Gift of Poetry creates the perfect excuse for you to say the things that you would not normally say on a day to day basis.
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